SB Nation - Will Compton

The North in 2010

Bill C. — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:00:31 -0000

The 2009 Big 12 North race is, to say the least, intriguing heading into November, but the way my brain works, I can't help but keep an eye on the future as all of this plays out. And since it's in my head, I might as well type it out too, huh? As November 2009 begins, let's take a look at...2010.

What we're going to do is simple: we're going to take the most recent two-deeps listed on each team's website, remove the seniors, and see what's left. Obviously there will be plenty more analysis to come, but this will be a nice, preliminary peek. I can't help myself.

Missouri

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Blaine Gabbert (Jr) Jimmy Costello (So)	DE	Jacquies Smith (Jr) Marcus Malbrough (So)
RB	Derrick Washington (Sr) De'Vion Moore (So)	DT	Dominique Hamilton (Jr) Marvin Foster (RSFr)
WR	Jerrell Jackson (Jr) Brandon Gerau (Jr)	DT	Terrell Resonno (Jr) Bart Coslet (Sr)
WR	T.J. Moe (So) Rolandis Woodland (So)	DE	Aldon Smith (So) Brad Madison (So)
WR	Wes Kemp (Jr) Michael Egnew (Jr)	WLB	Zaviar Gooden (So) Donovan Bonner (So)
TE	Andrew Jones (Jr) Beau Brinkley (Jr)	MLB	Will Ebner (Jr) Luke Lambert (Sr)
LT	Elvis Fisher (Jr) Justin Britt (RSFr)	SLB	Andrew Gachkar (Sr) Tyler Crane (Jr)
LG	Austin Wuebbels (Jr) Travis Ruth (So)	CB	Carl Gettis (Sr) Trey Hobson (Jr)
C	Tim Barnes (Sr) J.T. Beasley (Jr)	CB	Kevin Rutland (Sr) Robert Steeples (So)
RG	Jayson Palmgren (Jr) Travis Ruth (So)	FS	Jasper Simmons (Sr) Munir Prince (Sr)
RT	Dan Hoch (Jr) Jack Meiners (So)	SS	Jarrell Harrison (Sr) Kenji Jackson (Jr)

K	Grant Ressel (Jr)	P	Matt Grabner (Jr)
PR	Carl Gettis (Sr)	KR	Jasper Simmons (Sr)

I've got to say, this is the most complete team heading into 2010. Blaine Gabbert will be the most accomplished North QB heading into 2010 and Derrick Washington the second-most accomplished RB. The improved secondary will return just about everybody of importance, and a deep LB corps could be well-positioned to absorb the loss of Sean Weatherspoon with as little drop-off as possible.
Two major question marks: a) who replaces Danario Alexander, and b) who replaces Jaron Baston? Multiple candidates exist to replace Spoon, so that's actually less of a worry, but the WR situation is at least a bit worrisome. Wes Kemp has shown flashes, and if he continues to grow, he could be the deep threat this team needs, but what is it I always say? Until you actually prove it, it's a question mark. Beyond Kemp, guys like Jackson, T.J. Moe (remember him?), Rolandis Woodland, and one of the redshirting freshmen (L'Damian Washington, Jaleel Clark, Kerwin Stricker) will fill out the depth chart, and at least one of them will need to take a step forward.
Of course, you know who else could absorb the loss of Danario? Tight ends. Novel concept, I know.
I really like what I've seen out of Dominique Hamilton recently, but Terrell Resonno seems to have disappeared. Either he or one of the underclassmen (Marvin Foster, Jimmy Burge, George White) will need to raise their game. If somebody competent steps up at WR and DT, this team is loaded.

Colorado

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Tyler Hansen (Jr) Cody Hawkins (Sr)	DE	Marquez Herrod (Sr) Josh Hartigan (Jr)
RB	Rodney Stewart (Jr) Darrell Scott (Jr)	DT	Curtis Cunningham (Jr) Nate Bonsu (So)
FB	Ryan Deehan (Jr) ?	DT	Will Pericak (So) Conrad Obi (Jr)
WR	Scotty McKnight (Sr) Jason Espinoza (Jr)	DE	Forrest West (So) Nick Kasa (So)
WR	Markques Simas (Jr) Will Jefferson (So)	WLB	Jon Major (So) Tyler Ahles (Jr)
TE	Ryan Deehan? (Jr) ?	MLB	Michael Sipili (Sr) ?
LT	Nate Solder (Sr) Ryan Dannewitz (So)	SLB	B.J. Beatty (Sr) Doug Rippy (So)
LG	Ethan Adkins (Jr) Blake Behrens (Jr)	CB	Jimmy Smith (Sr) ?
C	Keenan Stevens (Sr) Mike Iltis (Jr)	CB	Jalil Brown (Sr) Arthur Jaffee (Jr)
RG	Matthew Bahr (Jr) Max Tuioti-Mariner? (So)	FS	Ray Polk (So) Anthony Perkins (Jr)
RT	Ryan Miller (Jr) Bryce Givens (So)	SS	Travis Sandersfeld (Jr) ?

K	Aric Goodman (Sr)	P	Aric Goodman (Sr)
PR	Jason Espinoza (Jr)	KR	Brian Lockridge (Jr)

I mentioned this past offseason that while Colorado was going to stink in 2009, they might actually be positioning themselves to actually fulfill the role of sleeper that has been foisted upon them for most of the last half-decade. Ironically, they might actually emerge as a sleeper just as everybody finally gives up on them.
Of course, there will still be some major question marks. You know I'm not at all impressed with Rodney "Another Short Gain By" Stewart, and while Scotty McKnight (how is he still an underclassman???) is a great possession guy, he'd be a helluva lot better as a #2 or #3 threat than a #1. Unless Markques Simas finally starts to live up to the potential everybody says he has, this team is still severely lacking at WR, and they're losing both of their top tight ends. (I'm going out of my way not to mention Darrell Scott here, as he...whatever. I have no expectations whatsoever for him at this point, and I'm going to let him surprise me.)
I really like Jimmy Smith at CB, but CU's going to be searching for some replacements in the secondary. Jalil Brown has potential, and Ray Polk is young, but depth could be an issue.
Same can be said for the LB corps. Luckily for CU, they should have a strong D-line to maybe deflect some of the concerns.
If CU really does live up to its annual sleeper reputation, it will be in the trenches, where a struggling O-line will at least have experience on its side, and the D-line could be strong. Then again, after watching CU's O-line attempt to handle MU's improving-but-not-amazing D-line, maybe returning a bunch of these guys might not be a good thing.

Iowa State

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Austen Arnaud (Sr) Jerome Tiller (So)	DE	Patrick Neal (Jr) ?
RB	Alexander Robinson (Sr) Beau Blankenship (So)	DT	Bailey Johnson (Jr) Stephen Ruempolhamer (Jr)
WR	Jake Williams (Sr) ?	DT	Austin Alburtis (Sr) ?
WR	Sedrick Johnson (Jr) ?	DE	Roosevelt Maggitt (So) Cleyon Lang (So)
WR	Josh Lenz (So) Darius Darks (Jr)	SLB	Jacob Lattimer (Jr) ?
TE	Collin Franklin (Sr) ?	MLB	Matt Tau'fo'ou (Sr) A.J. Klein (So)
LT	Kelechi Osmele (Jr) Brayden Burris (So)	WLB	Jake Knott (So) ?
LG	Alex Alvarez (Sr) Mike Bangston (So)	CB	Leonard Johnson (Jr) Jeremy Reeves (So)
C	Sean Smith (Sr) ?	CB	Jacques Washington (So) ?
RG	Ben Lamaak (Sr) Trey Baysinger (Jr)	FS	Michael O'Connell (Sr) ?
RT	Scott Haughton (Jr) Zack Spears (Jr)	SS	David Sims (Sr) Zac Sandvig (Sr)

K	Grant Mahoney (Jr)	P	?
PR	Leonard Johnson (Jr)	KR	Leonard Johnson (Jr)

So Paul Rhoads' second year in Ames will potentially see a downright strong offense and a thin, depleted, inexperienced defense. I don't want to overstate the offensive potential (the WR situation is iffy, to say the least), but ISU might have the best O-line in the North blocking for what is at least decent skill position talent.
Arnaud vs Tiller. Could be interesting to watch this competition.
Really, if ISU returned just a couple more decent playmakers on defense, I could talk myself into them being a darkhorse contender. But while I do like what Rhoads has done with the talent on hand this year, I just can't figure they'll be that great next year. They will need another year or two of Rhoads developing his own recruits before I feel a lot more comfortable about the potential of their program.

Kansas

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Kale Pick (So) ?	DE	Jake Laptad (Sr) ?
RB	Toben Opurum (So) ?	DT	Jamal Greene (Sr) ?
WR	Dezmon Briscoe?? (Sr) ?	DT	John Williams (So) Richard Johnson (Jr)
WR	Johnathan Wilson (Sr) Tertavian Ingram (Sr)	DE	Quintin Woods (Sr) ?
WR	Bradley McDougald (So) Chris Omigie (So)	SLB	Justin Springer (Sr) ?
TE	Tim Biere (Jr) Ted McNulty (Jr)	MLB	Drew Dudley (Sr) ?
LT	Tanner Hawkinson (So) Ian Wolfe (Sr)	WLB	Huldon Tharp (So) ?
LG	Brad Thorson (Sr) Carl Wilson (Sr)	CB	D.J. Beshears (So) Daymond Patterson (Jr)
C	Jeremiah Hatch (Jr) Brad Thorson (Sr)	CB	Chris Harris (Sr) Calvin Rubles (Sr)
RG	Sal Capra (Sr) Trevor Marrongelli (So)	FS	Lubbock Smith (So) ?
RT	Jeff Spikes (Jr) Michael Martinovich (Jr)	SS	Phil Strozier (Sr) ?

K	Jacob Branstetter (Sr)	P	Alonso Rojas (Sr)
PR	Daymond Patterson (Jr)	KR	Bradley McDougald (So)

So KU's biggest question mark (offensive line) will return completely intact next year, while most of the known skill position talent disappears. I listed Dez Briscoe on the two-deep above, but I've got to be honest: I'm about 92% sure he's going pro this year. His stats are ridiculous, he's got decent NFL size, he's been suspended for academic reasons, and supposedly he was tied to those football-vs-basketball brawls earlier in the year. That's not a recipe for someone who's going to go out of his way to stick around campus for another season.
Without Briscoe, I have to figure this is going to be a run-heavy offense next year. Kale Pick's got a lot to prove, but with Toben Opurum and an experienced line, they might (might) be able to rely on the run. Then again, they'll still need some sort of passing attack, and...who will be the #1 receiver? Johnathan Wilson, I guess? Color me unafraid.
I'm not even going to try to figure out if KU's D is going to be any good. They've improved recently, but they lose Darrell Stuckey and two linemen, and the depth from LB corps vanishes. I assume this will be a decent unit, and really you can start to maybe see the identity KU might be going with--defense first, run-heavy, grind it out.

Kansas State

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Carson Coffman (Sr) ?	DE	Brandon Harold (Jr) ?
RB	Daniel Thomas (Sr) ?	DT	Prizell Brown (Sr) ?
FB	Braden Wilson (So) Lucas Hamm (Sr)	DT	Raphael Guidry (Jr) ?
WR	Lamark Brown (Sr) ?	DE	Antonio Felder (Sr) Joseph Kassanavoid (So)
WR	Collin Klein (So) Chris Harper (So)	LB	Kevin Rohleder (Sr) ?
TE	Travis Tannahill (So) ?	LB	Alex Hrebec (Jr) ?
LT	Zach Hanson (Jr) ?	LB	Troy Butler (Sr) Thomas Ferguson (So)
LG	Zach Kendall (Sr) Trevor Viers (Sr)	CB	Joshua Moore (Sr) Darious Thomas (So)
C	Wade Weibert (Sr) ?	CB	Stephen Harrison (Sr) David Garrett (Jr)
RG	Kenneth Mayfield (Sr) Colten Freeze (Jr)	FS	Emmanuel Lamur (Jr) ?
RT	Clyde Aufner (Jr) Ethan Douglas (So)	SS	Tysyn Hartman (Jr) Torrell Miller (So)

K	Josh Cherry (Sr)	P	Ryan Doerr (So)
PR	Tysyn Hartman (Jr)	KR	Daniel Thomas (Sr)

Like Kansas, this looks to be a pretty run-heavy, can't-pass-on-them team, with Daniel Thomas running behind a super-experienced line and a well-coached defense that is iffy in the front seven but stout in the secondary. In other words, this looks like a Bill Snyder team (sans the All-American linebackers). We've made a big deal out of the fact that they're losing about 35 seniors this year (and that's only a slight exaggeration), and that will absolutely murder their depth, but if they stay reasonably healthy, the Snyder identity might be able to take shape a bit more.
Now, I say they'll have a good secondary...I'm still unsure about how good the secondary is now, but returning all four current starters certainly suggests decent improvement for next year.
I believe I heard that Chris Harper is moving to WR instead of competing at QB, right?

Nebraska

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Cody Green (So) Zac Lee (Sr)	DE	Cameron Meredith (So) Josh Williams (So)
RB	Roy Helu, Jr. (Sr) Rex Burkhead (So)	DT	Baker Steinkuhler (So) Terrence Moore (Jr)
FB	Tyler Legate (So) Mike Hays (Jr)	DT	Jared Crick (Jr) ?
WR	Niles Paul (Sr) Antonio Bell (So)	DE	Pierre Allen (Sr) ?
WR	Curenski Gilleylen (Jr) Khiry Cooper (So)	Will	Blake Lawrence (Sr) Matthew May (Jr)
TE	Mike McNeill (Sr) Dreu Young (Sr)	Mike	Will Compton (So) Micah Kreikemeier (So)
LT	Mike Smith (Sr) ?	Buck	Sean Fisher (So) Eric Martin (So)
LG	Keith Williams (Sr) ?	CB	Prince Amukamara (Sr) Dejon Gomes (Sr)
C	Mike Caputo (Jr) ?	CB	Anthony West (Sr) Alfonzo Dennard (Jr)
RG	Ricky Henry (Sr) ?	FS	Eric Hagg (Sr) Austin Cassidy (Jr)
RT	Marcel Jones (Jr) D.J. Jones (Sr)	SS	P.J. Smith (So) Courtney Osborne (So)

K	Alex Henery (Sr)	P	Alex Henery (Sr)
PR	Niles Paul (Sr)	KR	Niles Paul (Sr)

How the hell is Pierre Allen still an underclassman? I was completely convinced that both he and Barry Turner were seniors, but I guess not.
Next question: how much of Nebraska's defensive identity is grounded in Ndamukong Suh? He and Turner depart, but will Allen and the stout Jared Crick be able to keep the great D-line play coming? And how much of Crick's success is due to offenses' fear of Suh?
The shine is quickly wearing off of Roy Helu, Jr., but he does return next year (lord knows he's not going pro), and with yet another experienced O-line, NU should be able to run the ball pretty well. That will obviously take some pressure off of Cody Green if Green is not, after all, ready to be NU's savior.
I really like what NU has returning at CB, but...safety? I think I like their second-string CBs more than their first string safeties. Will be interesting to see if there's some position shifting when all is said and done.

As a Missouri fan, I look at this information and quickly conclude that Missouri will be the 2010 favorite, and really I'd say I have pretty good basis in fact for that opinion. That said, Nebraska is intriguing, and even though K-State is not a stat-friendly team (I've already accepted that they're better than the stats say--I just can't figure out how much better), Bill Snyder really might get them back into the hunt despite the youth and lack of depth. Colorado could be interesting depending on who the head coach is (ahem), Kansas has recruited well and will see plenty of talented-but-young players hitting the field, and Iowa State might have the best offensive line in the division. I'd like to think Missouri might run away with this thing, and I'm sure it could happen (the trip to Lincoln aside), but with five of six North teams (all but Kansas) looking potentially better next year than this year, we might have another fun race on our hands.

Is It Time for the Black Shirt Tradition To Die?

Jon Johnston — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:40:08 -0000

More photos » by Dave Weaver - AP

Even Ndamukong Suh felt the Husker defense didn't play well enough to keep their black shirts. Perhaps it's best they're not handed out in the first place, if for no other reason than it doesn't seem to fit Pelini's coaching philosophy.

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Husker fans know the both the Blackshirt and black shirt tradition. " The Blackshirts" is the name by which Nebraska's defense is known. "Black shirts" are typically awarded to defensive players who show the highest level of play - not all starters receive them.

Much has been made about the black shirts this season, whether from fans and the media. Both wondered (obsessed?) about when they would be handed out, if at all. Pelini waited until the night before the Texas Tech game to give out the blackshirts, and the team responded by playing poorly. It's not a cause and affect issue - the blackshirts didn't cause the team to get heady and fall down, but it's obvious that Pelini made the move then to attract as little attention as possible.

Is being awarded a blackshirt special to the defensive players? Yeah, you bet it is. It means they get to join a pretty elite group with a great history. There's some value in awarding hard work, but I wonder it the tradition fits with Pelini's mentality as a head coach.

The shirts appear to be nothing more than an irritation to him. He was asked about them repeatedly before he handed them out. After the Texas Tech game, some reporter had the gall (or the stupidity) to ask him about them again. His response:

"Quit worrying about the Blackshirts. Get over it," coach Bo Pelini said. "We didn't play well enough. It had nothing to do with Blackshirts or yellow shirts or white shirts, or whatever the hell it is.

"We got our butts kicked. It's not about Blackshirts. It's about executing on game day when we're out there in red and white, and we didn't do that."

Pelini's response isn't surprising. Fans might look at the total yardage output and convince themselves that holding Texas Tech 262 yards under their average counted for something, but they would be overlooking the opening drive during which the defense twice allowed Tech to convert on third and long. Tech converted on a fourth and one in the second quarter, gaining 22 yards on an outside run which then lead to another Red Raider touchdown. Then there was the 58-yard pass that allowed Tech to get a field goal just before half time.

Add to those the defensive penalties, and the game wasn't a stellar performance. It's not that the defense played horrible. They didn't. But they didn't play like an elite unit either, the kind that wins Big 12 championships and gets into BCS bowl games. Even Ndamukong Suh didn't feel that the defense played well enough to warrant keeping the black shirts, and Suh obviously knows something about performing at a very high level.

Fans seem anxious about the black shirts, as if by handing them out the defense has assumed elite status. This is important, too, as the symbolic nature of the award is a sign the defense is doing well. It's something fans can hang onto, something to cheer about. Without that, what's the point in being a fan?

The media seems just as obsessed with them, possibly because it gives them something to write about that they know fans will connect with, but more likely because it's difficult to write much about the team when Pelini gives them so little meat with which to write.

My problem with the black shirts is they don't seem to fit Pelini's mode of operation. After watching him coach for the past season and a half, it's clear Pelini expects effort on a consistent basis. You don't have to look much further than his twitter bio to understand his philosophy:

The secret to success is constancy of purpose

Translation - if you're not going 100% all of the time, you're not going to be successful. It's not that difficult to understand, but like most things in life, easy to say and damned hard to do. It takes quite a bit of tenacity to work hard all of the time, with emphasis on ALL.

When you award an honor to a player, it elevates them to an elite status. It places them at the top of a hierarchy, at the top of the organization. Yet Pelini has shown that he's not above sitting players on the bench if they're not performing well, even it it's a decision made during a game. Phillip Dillard replacing Will Compton during the Tech game was sign of that, as was Zac Lee's benching in favor of Cody Green. The week before, Niles Paul and Menelik Holt were benched for a while in favor of Brandon Kinnie and Antonio Bell.

Forget that some of those guys are on offense - it's the hierarchy that counts. It's clear the only hierarchy that matters to Pelini is who is performing at the highest level right now, and "right now" is literally right now, whether it be during a game or at practice. Awarding some guys black shirts because they've done something well in the past doesn't fit with that concept.

As we saw Saturday, this team is capable of playing extremely well some of the time. Until that's become "all of the time", then there's still a mental mold to be formed. And the last thing Pelini wants these guys to think is that they've achieved something because up to this point, they haven't.

The Blackshirt tradition - the name by which the Husker defense is known - should stay and it will. But perhaps it's time for the black shirts to go. They don't seem to fit the mold of the current head coach. The tradition appears forced, and if that's how Bo Pelini feels, then it's a tradition we should consider living without.

Husker Report Card: Texas Tech

Husker Mike — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:47:42 -0000

More photos » by Nati Harnik - AP

Texas Tech lineback Daniel Howard shows Zac Lee how to move a team downfield.(AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

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Almost as fun as watching games like yesterday's 31-10 loss to Texas Tech is doing the post-game report card. I think I'll probably enjoy my upcoming visits to the doctor and dentist more. A lot has been said yesterday and today about the Huskers performance, and I'm trying to keep an open mind on what the problems are. As usual, your opinions are welcome and hopefully we'll find something to agree on.

This week's report card is going to be formatted different than usual, in that I'm going to go from areas of greatest concern to areas of lesser concern. Yep...that's right, we're saving Suh for last.

OL: It's been often said that it all starts up front...and yesterday, it never got out of neutral. The tackles were ill-able to deal with the wide splits employed by the Raider defensive ends, and they came hard from the outside to pressure Zac Lee. I tried to remember bad plays by offensive linemen, but after a while, I lost track as there were so many. I had no intention to sit there and take notes in the stands for this, and that's the last thing I want to do. Adding insult to injury was all of the penalties. I'm going to give Ricky Henry a bit of a pass on his personal foul penalty; it was a dumb, dumb move that really hurt the team, but it might have been the most aggression we saw out of this bunch yesterday. The grade: F

IB: This isn't an indictment of the I-backs, but rather a reflection of the lack of depth at running back. Roy Helu was forced to improvise so much, I expected Drew Carey to appear at times on the HuskerVision screen to offer up another wacky scenario. "Whose Line is it Anyway?" Unfortunately, it's ours. Now that Rex Burkhead is out and Helu continues to be plagued by shoulder problems (labeled "chronic" by Shawn Watson), where do the Huskers turn next? Austin Jones was completely ineffective, though Marcus Mendoza did ok late as Nebraska went to the air. One curious decision this week was to burn the redshirt of Dontrayevous Robinson on special teams. He entered the mix last week, and if you were going to play him, why not get him on the field at I-back? The grade: Incomplete. Helu would have gotten a B if he could have finished the game.

WR: With the depth problems at I-back limiting the running game, you had to hope that the receivers would step up their game. And they didn't. Niles Paul had a devastating mental error by failing to realize his fumble wasn't an incomplete pass. Lee needed his receivers to break free to open up the game...and they didn't for the most part, with the exception of Chris Brooks. This spring, we raved about the depth at tight end, and I just don't understand why the offense doesn't try to use the tight ends more. Mike McNeill is a proven weapon, and Kyler Reed and Ben Cotton look potent as receivers as well. But for yesterday, these guys get a big F.

QB: The biggest criticism I have about Zac Lee's performance yesterday is that his longest throw of the day also was his final throw; out the back of the end zone on 4th and goal. All day long, it was short routes and screen passes, never challenging the secondary. Whether that was by design, or because Lee wasn't reading his receivers and the defense correctly, or if the receivers weren't getting open isn't known...and is only known by the team. Lee had some nice bootleg runs that gained positive yards, but he still showed a knack of being hesitant at scrambling. He fired one throw and third and short that ended up incomplete when he could have continued upfield and easily gained 10 yards plus the first down. Horrible decision that brought the punt team onto the field. But later in the second half, he ducked up field, got stopped two yards short of a first down, then turned and lunged to get the first down. Great run and great second effort...but too little, too late. Cody Green came in, and I hate to tell the fans clammoring for Green to start next week that Green played worse than Lee yesterday. Green did find Khiry Cooper for Nebraska's lone touchdown, which was a positive. He could have had another touchdown if Curenski Gilleylen could have hauled in that long pass, but that pass was tipped twice by Tech. A lucky bounce could have resulted in a touchdown because of a poor throw that really should have been intercepted. Another bad call erased yet another Green interception. Should Green start next week? Not on the basis of this week's performance, but perhaps in another context. I would assume that coaching staff is going to reevaluate their offensive approach and figure out what this team does best. If Cody Green better fits that approach, then Green should start. If Zac Lee better fits that approach, then Lee should start. The grade for the two quarterbacks: D

Secondary: On some of those quick strikes, it's almost impossible to defend unless the defender is locked up early on the route, which runs the risk of getting burned later. Certainly that explains some of the yardage on the early drive. Later drives were assisted by defensive misplays, especially right before halftime. Pass interference calls against the secondary helped Tech score two touchdowns as well. Not a stellar performance, but not horrible either. Grade: B-

Linebacker: Will Compton misplayed Baron Batch on Tech's opening touchdown, and was replaced by Phillip Dillard, who played great the rest of the way, except when he jammed his hand. But in the dime package, linebackers were off the field most of the day. Grade: A-

Defensive Line: I don't know what else the line could have done. Steven Sheffield was most effective when he was firing immediately after the snap, as the Tech offensive line was in full retreat dealing with Ndamukong Suh and company. The wide splits left some gaps late in the game on running plays, but the defensive line was playing outstanding yesterday, with the exception of a few penalties. Grade: A-

Overall: F The defense did much of their job yesterday, holding Tech to 259 yards. But the completely nonexistant offense made this a failing grade.

Elsewhere in College Football

Kansas: F The Jayhawks somehow found a way to lose to Colorado. Is the North this bad?

Missouri: D+ Well, the least embarassing loss by a North team, for what it's worth.

Kansas State: A+ Holy cow...where did THAT come from?

Texas A&M: 0 Mike Sherman = Bill Callahan 2.0 .

Iowa: A The Squawkeyes don't pass the eyeball test for a top-ten team...but they haven't had the massive inexplicable screwup like most of the other contenders. They are this year's Penn State: undeserving of their spot in the ratings, but there by default.

College Football on TV: A Let's face it, if you didn't have a vested interested in a game, there were great battles all over the place yesterday with upsets a plenty. Great drama and excitement wherever you turned the dial.

Poll

Rather than rate the overall performance of the Huskers, which position is Nebraska's greatest concern.

Offensive Line. It all starts up front and without some production out front, it doesn't matter who else is playing.

186 votes

I-Back. Somebody needs to emerge other than Roy Helu.

6 votes

Wide Receiver. Flashes of brilliance...and long stretches of mediocrity.

25 votes

Quarterback: They are the leaders on the field, and this is a leadership issue.

98 votes

Secondary: Needed to force a turnover yesterday, and didn't.

0 votes

Linebacker: Could have prevented Tech's first touchdown.

0 votes

Defensive Line: If Suh would have just sacked Sheffield on every play, we wouldn't have had to worry about the offense!

10 votes

325 votes | Poll has closed

Anatomy of "No Gain" -- Missouri's running game against Nebraska

RPT — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:14:45 -0000

People asking what's wrong with the Missouri running game right now are a dime a dozen. People with answers to that question are far more rare. The analysis that follows is in no way a complete diagnosis of what ails the Missouri rushing attack. Instead, it takes a look at one isolated play in which what looks like a potential big gain is quickly rendered into no gain.

Missouri comes out in a 3x1 Trips Left formation with the back (Derrick Washington) to the weakside. The play call appears to be a counter play to Washington, who approaches as if it is a sweep to the left before quickly planting and moving right. Highlighted here is Ndamukong Suh, who appears to be in a two-technique over the right guard (Kurtis Gregory).

Before we go any further, let's address the playcall (or more importantly for Missouri fans, the play direction). Not since Lewis and Clark came through in the early 1800s have people in Missouri been so worked up about North/South vs. East/West. While the shotgun counter (explained in depth in the middle of the page at this link) is nowhere near the North/South equivalent of say, a halfback lead from an I-formation jumbo set, it is far more North/South than most people are giving it credit for. Just because Washington begins the play moving laterally doesn't mean the play isn't designed to go vertically. The point here is for the pull block and Washington's misdirection to create a lane on the playside. Yes, when executed correctly, it is very much a North/South run.

There's a little bit of trouble from the start, as the snap is low to Blaine Gabbert, who has to bend down to snag it, putting a small hitch in the timing. The other immediate observation to be made is what happens at the defensive tackle spot opposite Suh. Highlighted here is DT Jared Crick, who will shoot the gap thanks to the pulling action of left guard Austin Wuebbels. Here, you can already see Wuebbels preparing to pull into the B-gap on the right side. That leaves left tackle Elvis Fisher alone to chip Crick and then return to his assignment on the defensive end. Center Tim Barnes has to scramble back to push Crick out of the play from behind.

Here we see Crick way upfield with Barnes trailing behind. With this being a counter play, Crick's presence isn't incredibly disruptive, as the run is designed to suck defenders to Missouri's left and then hope the overpursuit opens up the right side. The dearth of defenders in the box and Missouri's numbers advantage make it appear like Washington will have lanes both inside and outside once he reaches the line of scrimmage.

It looks like Gregory has tied up Suh, right tackle Dan Hoch has tied up Pierre Allen, and Wuebbels is out in front to lead for Washington. The second level looks relatively barren, and things are looking promising. Right?

Wrong. Suh fights off an overpowered Gregory, who gets caught leaning a little bit. Just like that, a promising opening for Washington results in minimal gain.

Here we see it from SkyCam. Crick is shaded in a three-technique over Wuebbels, who will be pulling right. The responsibility then gets put on Fisher to chip Crick, buying Barnes time to pick him up. This is all fine and dandy, except for the fact that it leaves Gregory one-on-one with the best defensive tackle in the country.

Wuebbels begins the pull, Fisher gets his chip and Gregory appears to have turned Suh in the proper direction. If your linemen have their butts facing the hole, odds are that they're doing their job. Here we see the linebacker (presumably Will Compton??), stepping up to fill in the gap.

Wuebbels engages the backer effectively, and the hole appears to open for Washington. Looking downfield, it looks like that if Washington can get past the line of scrimmage, he should ideally only have to deal with the safety in the top right corner of the frame en route to a substantial gain. The only problem? Highlighted on the left side is the Suh/Gregory battle, where Suh reads the play and begins to get a beat on Gregory with that right-arm swim move.

Suh latches onto Washington as Gregory dives to try to get a hand on Suh, but it's too little, too late. Washington doesn't even get the chance to make safety Larry Asante miss at the second level, and Missouri is again stuck in second and long with a hobbled quarterback in the midst of a monsoon.

The Takeaway: Screw the "Power of Red," you can rename this play the "Power of Suh." In the play's early development, Nebraska's pass-heavy defensive look and the movement of Missouri's offensive line makes it look like an easy gain. But on this single play, one lost battle in a one-on-one matchup was the difference between 5+ yards and zero yards. These were the kinds of battles that Missouri won consistently in 2007 in run-powered wins over Texas Tech and Arkansas. The players are saying that the failure of the running game is all about "the little things," and on this play, they're absolutely correct.

Matchups :: Nebraska Cornhuskers Edition

Seth C — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:00:55 -0000

Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-2, 1-1)

vs.

Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1, 1-0)

Game Information:
October 17, 2009 :: 2:30 p.m. CST :: Weather: Lincoln, NE
TV: FSN :: Radio: Affiliates :: Game Cast: Fox Sports

The figures next to the team name are, in order: yards per game / national rank / conference rank.

Texas Tech Passing Offense vs. Nebraska Passing Defense

Texas Tech (443.50 / 2 / 1): QB Steven Sheffield has been electric in two games for Texas Tech, albeit he's done it against two teams that aren't top 25 teams, like Nebraska. In 1.5 games for the Red Raiders, Sheffield is 53-70 for 780 yards, 11 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Not to be too critical, but Sheffield's interception on Saturday night seemed like a play where Sheffield had determined where he was going to go as the play was snapped. That cannot happen against Nebraska. Tramain Swindall has become this team's playmaker amongst the receivers, averaging 92.8 yards a game and 19.33 yards per catch. The rest of the group is rounding out their roles. I think I mentioned last week that Texas Tech would need at least 1 receiver to step up their game, and right now, Swindall is in a zone. The bigger the threat that Swindall is, the easier it becomes for Detron Lewis, Alexander Torres and Lyle Leong. And this doesn't even take into account Jacoby Franks big night (3 receptions, 99 yards and 1 touchdown) against KSU. Quite simply, there's a lot of receiving threats out there and Sheffield is finding them. There's no doubt that the offensive line has looked better in the last two games, in part because Sheffield's mobility has allowed him additional time, but this unit still leads the conference in sacks allowed at 13 and must play like a cohesive unit. Perhaps the matchup of the night will be RG Brandon Carter and the below-mentioned Suh.

Nebraska (162.60 / 14 / 1): The Cornhusker pass defends begins and ends with DT Ndamukong Suh, who may be the best player in college football right now, and has an unbelievable stat line: 32 tackles (leads team), 5.5 TFL (leads team), 3 sacks (leads team), 7 passes broken up (leads team) and an interception. Suh is an absolute dominate interior defender and to think that Texas Tech's offensive line is going to control Suh to an extent would be wishful thinking. The pass defense is 14th in the nation and have played prolific passing teams such as . . . Missouri, in a rain-storm. In other words, much like Kansas St. last week, the Cornhuskers haven't really played a team that's truly proficient passing the ball other than the Tigers. And to give Nebraska credit, they held Blaine Gabbert to 17-43 for 134 yards and 2 interceptions. I think you'll see a lineup of Prince Amukamara and Alfonzo Dennard at cornerback and Matt O'Hanlon and Larry Asante at safety. Keep in mind that Nebraska has a distinct advantage that other Texas Tech opponents haven't had, which is a dominant player up front. Nebraska has broken up 25 passes during the year and had 17 quarterback hurries. That's 42 pass plays that have been affected by the secondary or the defensive line.

Verdict: This is the strength of the Texas Tech offense and the offense is clicking.

Texas Tech Rushing Offense vs. Nebraska Rushing Defense

Texas Tech (78.00 / 114 / 12): Baby steps. The Red Raiders went from the worst rushing offense in the NCAA to the 114th worst rushing offense, all in one week. But there's progress there to those of us who watch closely. I mentioned after the game on Sunday that the running backs rushed for 182 yards on 21 carries. That's an 8.67 yard per carry average and for a team that's absolutely struggled to garner any sort of run game, the fact that this team has pulled itself up a bit, especially after having such a tough time establishing anything resembling a running game is encouraging. The truth be told though is that the Red Raiders hae steadily improved the rushing game after a somewhat slow start (73 and 60 yards in their first 2 games). It's still tough to be sure what offensive line coach Matt Moore will do, although you would expect that unless something drastic happened, he would settle on the offensive line that would be the most successful against Nebraska, which was to start Lonnie Edwards at LG rather than Chris Olson, who Moore may be figuring will need to give multiple positions a break against the Cornhuskers. The more I think about this idea, the more I like it.

Nebraska (110.80 / 33 / 5): Nebraska is sitting 5th in the conference, although Nebraska has been a team that you could run on (i.e. there's yards to be gained), but the difference is that they are yielding few points on the ground and allowing less than 5 yards a rush. In addition to all-world Suh, the defensive line is rounded out by Barry Turner and Pierre Allen at defensive end and Jared Crick joins Suh up front. I'm not sure how much the linebackers will play on Saturday and would guess that Pelini will adjust with an additional defensive back, which should, in theory, open things up for the Texas Tech running game. When Nebraska is in their base package, I think you'll see Phillip Dillard, Will Compton and Sean Fisher. This is a stout run defense, and last year, I think you might see a defense more focused on the run as Texas Tech and Baron Batch ran for 137 yards on 23 carries and 3 touchdowns.

Verdict: Nebraska, hands down.

Nebraska Passing Offense vs. Texas Tech Passing Defense

Nebraska (236.60 / 44 / 7): I'll be the first to admit that I'm pleasantly surprised by Zac Lee's passing efficiency thus far this year. Lee's been very effective and probably most important to a Pelini offense, he doesn't turn the ball over, with only 3 interceptions this year to 10 touchdowns. Lee's not prolific as his biggest game this year was 340 yards against Arkansas St. A very balanced group of receivers lead the way for Nebraska, including receivers Paul Niles, Curenski Gilleylen, and Chris Brooks. TE Mike McNeill is a receiving threat as he's caught a pass every game thus far this year, but the truth is that the 3 receivers mentioned above are the main threats for Nebraska. Nebraska is 10th in the country in sacks allowed, giving up only 4 all year. Other than RT Marcel Jones, the Nebraska offensive line is a veteran group, including LT Mike Smith, LG Keith Williams, C Jacob Hickman and RG Ricky Henry. We're looking a the short passing game, keeping the Texas Tech offense off of the field and that can be so painful to watch.

Texas Tech (242.50 / 92 / 11): Texas Tech has really struggled here, and this may be an indication that Texas Tech played some proficient passing teams early in Texas and Houston (although the killer game was 316 to New Mexico). Still, this unit has been a little up and down, giving up yards, but not necessarily points. Despite the yardage given up, Texas Tech leads the conference in passes defended, including 33 passes broken up and 4 interceptions. Perhaps part of the reason is that the secondary hasn't been healthy in weeks, as SS Franklin Mitchem was out early in the season, FS Cody Davis was out last week, and LaRon Moore missed almost the entire game last week. This has forced two freshmen, S Will Ford and CB D.J. Johnson to step up their game. Also sitting a-top the conference is Texas Tech (along with Oklahoma) with 18 sacks for the year. Same as the secondary, much of this has been done with players that no on else in the conference would recognize. I've said it before, but it bears repeating, this group isn't as physically gifted as others, but they will out-work out and it seems that this unit gets more sacks late in the game. It's constant pressure.

Verdict: Statistically, I feel like I have to give this to Nebraska.

Nebraska Rushing Offense vs. Texas Tech Rushing Defense

Nebraska (168.00 / 43 / 8): When I first started to look at the numbers, I was surprised that Nebraska was only 8th in the conference in rushing. I was expecting a bit more. RB Roy Helu, Jr. is 13th in the nation in rushing, and was a bit under the weather against Missouri last week. Helu had a monster game against Virginia Tech (169 yards on 28 carries) and that's the sort of thing that bothers me about what Nebraska is capable of on any given night. There's not much behind Helu as true freshman, and DFW guy, Rex Burkhead is seeing the most significant carries behind Helu. Right now, Burkhead is a change of pace sort of back, getting 5 or 6 carries a game, although he's fairly effective.

Texas Tech (107.17 / 28 / 4): I'm shocked by those numbers and I'll keep repeating this and hope that it becomes true, but one of the hallmarks of a team that does well is a good to great rush defense. Much like most other things this early in the season, you can partially blame opponents, but thus far, the Red Raiders have only allowed a little over 100 yards a game. The DT's Colby Whitlock and Richard Jones have quietly been very solid and give plenty of credit to a linebacking corp of Brian Duncan, Bront Bird and Marlon Williams that seem to be getting better game by game. You would think that Duncan and Bird would be tailor made for Nebraska and it will be interesting to see if Whitlock, Jones and Victor Hunter, to an extent, will be able to allow the linebackers to scrape and make plays.

Verdict: Seems strange, but the stats play the winner out here.

Texas Tech Special Teams vs. Nebraska Special Teams

Texas Tech: Freshman P Ryan Erxleben has been a breath of fresh air, handling 14 punts on the year, but being able to pin a few inside the opponents 20 yard line is a nice weapon have, especially in a game that could come down to field position. You'd like to see more consistency from K Donnie Carona kicking off, but he's still 6th in the conference and Matthew Williams hasn't had to kick a lot of field goals, but he has been solid in PAT's (34/35) ending the horror that was 2008. Texas Tech hasn't been spectacular returning punts and tried WR Austin Zouzalik for a number of games, but switched to CB Jamar Wall last week. Wall might be a bit more daring, but Zouzalik is solid. The Red Raiders are 2nd in the conference in kickoff returns, led by true freshman RB Eric Stephens.

Nebraska: P Alex Henry is 6th in the conference in punting. Much like Texas Tech, there's nothing really spectacular there. PK Alex Henery is clutch, making 8 of 9 field goals this year and making all of his PAT's. WR Niles Paul is returning punts, and again, like Texas Tech, aren't lighting the world on fire and as far as kickoff returns, Niles is again, mediocre (59th in the county and 9th in the conference).

Verdict: These teams are about as even as you could be for the most part, with slight advantages in one category over another. PUSH

Mizzou Links, 10-6-09

Bill C. — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:55:01 -0000

Embrace the hate. Goooooooooooooood.

Mizzou-Nebraska Links!

The Trib (Dave Matter): Behind the Numbers: MU-NU, Part I

Here's how the primary back from each of Nebraska's opponents has produced against the Huskers:
* Alfred Morris, Florida Atlantic: 18 carries - 85 yards
* Reggie Arnold, Arkansas State: 14-83, TD
* Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech: 21-107, TD
* Undrea Sails, Louisiana-Lafayette: 10-41

Perhaps the most pivotal matchup Thursday will be Missouri's offensive line handling the best defensive line it's faced to date. You figure the Tigers will devote more than one blocker to All-American candidate Ndamukong Suh, who once again, remarkably, leads the Huskers in tackles despite constant extra attention. Alongside Suh, first-year starter Jared Crick set his single-game career high for tackles in three straight games. Ends Pierre Allen and Barry Turner have been equally productive, combining for seven tackles behind the line and 31 tackles. It'll be interesting to see how Nebraska deploys its linebackers against the run versus the pass and how many linebackers its keeps on the field versus defensive backs.
The Trib: Happy to be the hunter
The Trib: Pelini says MU here to stay
PowerMizzou: Tiger Notebook: In the Trenches
PowerMizzou: The Key Players
PowerMizzou: Like Father, Unlike Son: Huskers come calling
KC Star: Nebraska trying to return to top of Big 12 North; MU trying to remain there
Post-Dispatch: MU has something to prove
The Maneater: Missouri-Nebraska a fight to the death
Mizzourah: Tigerboard Comment of the Day Retro Edition
Nebraska State Paper: The Electric 'Zou'
Omaha World-Herald: Bo unimpressed by No. 1 ranking in scoring defense
Huskers Illustrated: Will Compton has no hard feelings towards Blaine Gabbert
Husker Extra: Compton pumped to face Missouri
"I’d like to play in Columbia every year if I could and play in front of everybody that I know and talk to," Compton said of Thursday night’s game at Missouri. "I definitely have higher emotions for this game. But I’m going to go about it like every other week of practice and prepare like I do every week."

The native of Bonne Terre, Mo., will have an important role. He’s working as the top linebacker in Nebraska’s dime defense.

Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska: Q&A with Corn Nation

furrer4heisman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:00:20 -0000

More photos » by Nati Harnik - AP

Browse more photos »

Despite being 2-0 coming into Blacksburg, I think most Hokie fans have more questions than answers about this week's opponent. That's why I turned to Husker Mike and Corn Blight from Corn Nation to help us get a better grasp on Nebraska before the big game. Thanks to both of them for participating. Here are my answers to their questions.

What are the biggest differences between this year's Huskers and the team we saw last year?

Husker Mike:
A more consistent defensive line and secondary for starters. It's tough to tell due to the lackluster competition so far, but this year, they are more physical and make more plays than a year ago. Last year, they had to think then act...now they just react. Also more playmakers have emerged at wide receiver (Niles Paul, Curenski Gilleylen), catching passes from Zac Lee, a more physically talented quarterback starting to grow into his role.

Corn Blight:
The biggest difference is that we have a defense with confidence. Coming into the Virginia Tech game last season, we still had a defense that was suffering from a hangover from 2007. They lacked confidence, and when you lack confidence, you play a lot slower than you would if you knew that someone had your back, and I'm not just talking about on the field.

Put it this way - go adopt an animal that's been beaten. Whatever it does, it still has a tentative, fearful nature about it. It may grow more comfortable over time, but it takes a while. That was the Nebraska team last season. Am I talking about the previous coaching staff? You betchyerass I am.

Is Nebraska a better team coming into this year's game at 2-0 than it was last year at 3-0?

Husker Mike:
Without a doubt. Last year, Nebraska was still feeling their way on offense and defense. Now they are much more sure of themselves on both sides of the ball.

Corn Blight:
Overall, much better. The defense is much much improved, largely because they've had a year of Pelini's philosophy. They've also had a year that was pretty successful given the circumstances.

Two redshirt freshmen, Will Compton and Sean Fisher, are starting linebackers. Pelini held them back last year, even though they might have helped with their athleticism.
There is much better depth across the board, save quarterback. You might look to running back as well, but the fact that true freshman Rex Burkhead is second on the depth chart says more about Burkhead's potential than it does about the guys he beat out.

Tell us about starting quarterback Zac Lee. How has he looked in the first two games?

Husker Mike:
He has the strongest arm we've seen wearing a Husker quarterback going back decades; he can make throws no other quarterback could even try to make. He also has decent mobility, though we haven't seen him use it much early on. The only thing he lacks is experience, and that could be an issue early on against Virginia Tech. He's never faced a defense like that without wearing the "hands off" practice jersey.

Corn Blight:
Lee hasn't made many bad throws, but truth be told he hasn't been challenged that much. Florida Atlantic did a decent job covering receivers, but against Arkansas State, guys were running open everywhere. Still, like Mike said, he's got a very strong arm and has a good grasp on the offense.

Last time Tech fans saw Bo Pelini, he was drawing an unsportsman-like conduct penalty late in the game last year. How has he improved as a coach since that game? Does he still have the same temper?

Husker Mike:
The passion is still there, but I think he's learned to manage his temper a bit better. If you caught last year's Nebraska-Oklahoma game, he nearly had a stroke in the first quarter as the Sooners ran all over the Huskers. After that game, several people intervened and showed him a tape and he quickly realized that he acted like a lunatic at times on the sidelines. Ever since then, he's been much more measured. (Whoever posts this, look for the "Bo Pelini: Not Happy" video on YouTube...) But as a coach, just look at how the Husker team evolved in October and November. They took Texas Tech to overtime on the road and won the Gator Bowl against Clemson. This was a team that improved dramatically between the start of the season and the end of the season.

(Ed. Note: You want it, you got it.)

Corn Blight:
What Mike said. Bo Pelini has learned how to be a head coach. I'm sure he's got more learnin' to do, but like the team, he grew a lot last season.

Beating Virginia Tech doesn't help the Huskers with what I'm assuming is their primary goal: Winning the Big 12 North. But what would a win in Blacksburg mean to the program? Could we officially say, 'Nebraska's back'?

Husker Mike:
Nope. Some people will try to make that claim, but we'll know when "Nebraska's back" when nobody asks that question anymore. Now, a victory in Blacksburg will quiet that question a bit, but as long as this is still a question, Nebraska's not back.

That being said, beating a Virginia Tech team on the road will represent real progress for Nebraska. The Huskers haven't beaten a top-20 team on the road since 1997 (Washington), and while a victory over the Hokies doesn't mean Nebraska's "back", it's convincing and incontrovertible proof that Nebraska football is relevant on a national scale.

Corn Blight:
Man, I have to stop letting Mike answer these questions before I do, because there are too many times he answers so well I can't say anything more than ... Yeah, what he said.

Although ... I'm thinking next time we do a Q&A with another site, I'm going to give Mike fake questions, then send them back to the asking blogger as if nothing happened. Ha Ha! I'm so clever.

Seriously, I hate the "Nebraska is back" stuff. Drives me nuts, mostly because some fans seem to have lower expectations than I do about what constitutes "back". Back means we compete for the Big 12 title every year. That takes longer than winning a road game. Takes longer than a season.

It'll happen sooner or later because I believe we have a good coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson is damned good, I wouldn't trade him for anyone in the country.

Nebraska's Keys To Victory over the Arkansas State Red Wolves

Jon Johnston — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:00:32 -0000

by Nati Harnik - AP

Curenski Gilleylen was a star in the opener against Florida Atlantic. Can he do it again against Arkansas State?

View full size photo »

How are the Huskers going to defeat the Arkansas State Red Wolves? By playing straight-up better football. The Red Wolves don't strike me as a team that's going to use a lot of gimmicks to beat us but that they'll play much tougher football than expected and hope to catch the Huskers off guard. That is the simplistic way that coaches expect to win when they're the underdog and the amazing thing is that it continues to work as evident throughout every college football season.

The tenacity of the Red Wolves makes them a great opponent the week before Virginia Tech. Of course, let's hope the Husker players don't see it that way. Let's hope they truly respect Arkansas State, then crush them with ruthless efficiency.

Fast Start

The best way to kill the hope of any underdog is to destroy their hopes as quickly as possible. The first drive against Florida Atlantic resulted in a three and out. The first half, despite a 21-3 lead, was sluggish with plenty of mistakes. The first game has passed, so there should no longer be any excuses.

The Huskers need to come out blasting on offense and put the Red Wolves away early instead of waiting until the third quarter to become an offensive force. Let's see some tough runs by Roy Helu Jr on the first drive and a Husker offensive line that takes Arkansas State's defense right out of the game.

Killing your enemy early - it's the best way to assure a win. It's also the best way to assure a good program by getting your second stringers in with plenty of time left towards the end of the game.

Dominance Up Front

It's no secret that the Red Wolves will need to establish their running game to win. Nebraska's defensive line needs to take control of the game early, i.e., fast start, and dominate the game from the early going. Arkansas State is coming into this game missing fifth year senior Dominic Padrta at right guard. That'll be a huge benefit to Jared Crick and Ndamukong Suh as they can take advantage of Arkansas State's depth problems.

Last week showed that the Huskers defensive backs could guard decent receivers in man-to-man coverage. That leaves the linebackers free to play their favorite roles as hunter-killers. Time for youngsters WIll Compton and Sean Fisher to show more playmaking ability, perhaps get a turnover or two.

Be Crisp

Last week was not crisp. Despite the 49-3 butt-kicking delivered to Florida Atlantic, it just wasn't the crisp game that Bo Pelini was looking for.

There were way too many penalties in the first game - nine for 86 yards. Some of that can be excused because of first game jitters. Unfortunately, last year Nebraska was one on the worst teams in the nation for penalties, finishing 104th. That needs to vastly improve this season if the expectation is to win the Big 12 North.

Crisp - few mistakes, great execution on both sides of the ball. That's what Husker fans should be looking for this week. That's what the Husker coaches will be looking for, as it's only one week away before the Huskers travel to Blacksburg. It's time to put it together.

Huskers First Depth Chart Available

Jon Johnston — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:29:56 -0000

Bo Pelini released the first depth chart of the season this afternoon, and in doing so, did his best to say as little as possible. That's not much of a surprise, last year's depth charts continually had -OR- in several places.

-OR- Positions

Wide Receiver (X) - Menelik Holt OR Curenski Gilleylen

Holt didn't have a strong enough fall camp to break away.

Right Guard - Ricky Henry OR Andy Christensen

Good news because it means that Christensen has worked his way back into the rotation. More depth is always a good thing.

Right Tackle - Marcel Jones OR D.J. Jones

Marcel Jones also listed as a backup to Mike Smith at Left Tackle, so once again, this is about rotation, not starting positions.

Tight End - Mike McNeill OR Dreu Young

Surprising amount of respect shown to Dreu Young given he had a back injury and missed a great deal of fall camp. Or perhaps he's just that athletic.

WILL - Mathew May OR Blake Lawrence

Free Safety - Matt O' Hanlon OR Rickey Thenarse

Right Cornerback - Anthony West OR Alfonzo Dennard

Punter - Alex Henery OR Brett Maher

Long Snapper - P.J. Mangieri or Sam Meginnis

The full depth chart is available after the jump

Other Items of Note:

Will Compton and Sean Fisher worked their way into starting roles at the linebacker spots, beating out the veterans. That's not a small accomplishment. Depth at that position aplenty!

The full release from the athletic department is available here.

SB Nation 2009 Big 12 Preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers Team Capsule

Jon Johnston — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:32:52 -0000

The SB Nation Big 12 preview will post on Friday at The Ralphie Report. The following is the Nebraska team capsule for the conference-wide preview piece in conjunction with CBS Sports.

Expect the Blackshirt defense to be much improved in Bo Pelini's season. They should carry Nebraska to a Big 12 North win this season. Photo by Dennis Hubbard

The Outlook

Anything less than winning the Big 12 North will be a disappointment. The success of the 2009 Husker offense will depend on Nebraska establishing a firm ground attack, providing time for Lee and the receiving corps to develop into a balanced attack. If the Huskers find themselves one-dimensional, they'll have to rely on their defense to carry them to the Big 12 Championship game, but the margin for error will be very thin.

Offense

In 2009, the offense begins with I-backs Roy Helu Jr. and Quentin Castille. In 2008, Helu was bothered by a shoulder injury at the start of the season, but emerged as a star in November, rushing for 510 yards and five touchdowns in the final four games. For the season, he averaged 6.4 yards per carry, which is the highest of any returning back in the North division. Castille was the third back most of the season, but rushed for 125 yards in the Gator Bowl.

Replacing Joe Ganz at quarterback will be junior Zac Lee. Lee, who played sparingly last season, might be Nebraska's most talented quarterback since Eric Crouch. At San Francisco City College in 2006, Lee threw for over 3400 yards and 35 touchdowns. Lee is mobile as well, with 4.6 speed.

Nebraska's top returning receiver is tight end Mike McNeill, who'll probably be the best tight end in the conference not named Jermaine Gresham. Menelik Holt and Niles Paul look to be the top two wide receivers in 2009. Holt was hampered by a knee injury that caused him to miss most of four games last season. Paul's biggest contributions to date have been on kick returns, with an 85 yard touchdown return against San Jose State last season. A group of inexperienced but talented receivers will fight for playing time and to fill out the remaining positions.

Three starters return up front, including honorable mention all-Big XII center Jacob Hickman, who may move to guard this season. Juniors Keith Williams and Mike Smith return to anchor the left side of the line. If Hickman moves to right guard, sophomore Mike Caputo will take over at center. Other candidates for the right side include tackle Marcel Jones and guards D.J. Jones and Ricky Henry.

Defense

The defense is lead by pre-season All-American defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who is also a top-ten NFL draft prospect. The defense will be dependent upon Suh to make plays or occupy enough blockers to make them better. Expect sophomore Jared Crick to start alongside Suh, with redshirt freshman Baker Steinkuhler in the rotation.

Defensive end Barry Turner returns this season after breaking his leg in early 2008. Pierre Allen did an excellent job filling in his position last season. Between Suh, Crick, Turner and Allen, Nebraska's defensive line should be one of the best in the conference this season.

At linebacker, no fewer than ten players are fighting for three starting positions. Phillip Dillard returns as the most experienced of the bunch, but after a lackluster spring must fight his way back into the starting rotation. Pelini has so far refused to name starters to keep the competition going, but you could expect redshirt freshmen Will Compton and Sean Fisher to win some starts, along with sophomore Matthew May.

The secondary returns with much more depth than the previous season. Prince Amukamara and Anthony West return as starters at the corners. Anthony Blue returns after sitting out 2008 with a knee injury. Lance Thorrell should reprise his role in the dime package. Larry Asante is the top returning starter at safety, and should make the All-Big 12 list by the end of the season. Eric Hagg should keep his spot as the other starting safety, splitting time with Matt O'Hanlon. Rickey Thenarse must have a good fall camp to fight off redshirt freshmen Courtney Osborne and P.J. Smith. The defensive secondary had too many break downs last season, but that should be much improved this year.

In a single season, Bo Pelini turned around a defense that finished near the bottom of the nation in several categories, and had them playing well enough to finish as one of the top defenses in the Big 12 by season's end. With a year of understanding Pelini's system behind them, expect the Blackshirt defense to become the bright spot for Husker fans this season.

Special Teams

Alex Henery returns as one of the most accurate kickers in the nation. In 2008, Henery went 18-21 in field goals and made 56 of 57 PATs. The Huskers will have to replace holder Jake Wesch and long snapper T.J. O'Leary, who have handled those duties over the past three seasons.

Kickoff specialist Adi Kunalic returns after finishing fifth the nation in touchbacks last season, giving the Huskers a formidable weapon in the kicking game. Henery may pull double duty and handle punting duty, a task for which he was originally recruited.

Nate Swift was the team's primary punter last season and must be replaced after having moved on this season. Niles Paul showed some promise returning punts, and should be more consistent this season. Newcomers Rex Burkhead and Antonio Bell will be considered as will redshirt freshman Tim Marlowe.

Niles Paul looks likely to replay his role as a kick returner after having a decent year in 2008. Two of the top five plays last season were Paul kick returns, including a 85-yard touchdown return against San Jose State. Alfonzo Dennard was one of only three true freshman to play last season and should handle return duties again this season. Sophomore Curenski Gilleylen and newcomers Burkhead and Antonio Bell may get their chance as well.

Kickoff coverage must get better as Nebraska finished 105th in the nation in last season. Watch for Bo Pelini to include some talented newcomers to the coverage team this season as the Huskers look for every edge possible to win the Big 12 North.

Key Losses

Joe Ganz, QB - The former bench warmer that nobody believed in until Sam Keller injured his collarbone. He came in and promptly put up three straight 400 yard games and showed a gritty resolve that endeared him to Husker fans. He leaves after setting 23 school records, including season records for passing yardage.

Nate Swift, WR - Departs as the Huskers record holder for career receptions, and ranks second for yards receiving all-time. Some might consider him a "possession" receiver, but he also had decent speed. In his senior season, he ranked 2nd in the Big XII and eighth nationally in punt returns.

Todd Peterson, WR - Along with Swift, gave Joe Ganz two dependable receivers. The pair combined for 125 receptions and over 1,700 yards.

Marlon Lucky, IB - The former five-star recruit never quite lived up to the hype from his high school days, but was a versatile weapon in all facets of the passing game.

Matt Slauson, OL - The anchor of the Husker offensive line the last few years, Slauson was drafted in the 6th round by the New York Jets, where he'll be reunited with Jets offensive line coach Bill Callahan.

Lydon Murtha, OL - Murtha was an enigma for the Huskers, as he had all of the measurables to be an impressive offensive line prospect, but never developed the consistency to be that dominant lineman that some projected. The Detroit Lions were impressed enough to take him in the seventh round of the NFL draft.

Zach Potter, DE - Potter became a dominant end in his final two seasons, showing a knack for deflecting passes and kicks. Last season, he blocked three kicks and deflected two passes to Ndamukong Suh, who returned both for touchdowns.

Ty Steinkuhler, DT - Steinkuhler was a bit of an unsung hero until the Gator Bowl last season. His presence prevented offenses from double-teaming Ndamukong Suh, as Clemson quickly learned.

Armando Murillo, CB - Nebraska's lone loss in the secondary, he was the Huskers most consistent performer in the secondary.

Dan Titchener, P - Three year starter who averaged 39.9 yards per punt in his career.

Newcomers

Pelini has already shown his penchant for retaining redshirts, so you shouldn't expect to see a lot of brand new faces this year.

Baker Steinkuhler, DT - Another Steinkuhler, the departing Ty's little brother. Should see plenty of playing time this season.

Will Compton, LB - the most likely middle linebacker of the future for the Blackshirt defense.

Sean Fisher, LB - having a break-out fall camp, should be expected to get a lot of starts this season.

Rex Burkhead, RB/KR/PR/? - Burkhead was a ‘do everything' guy in in high school, playing running back, quarterback, receiver, returning punts and kicks, along with taking out the trash. Truly a versatile player, probably too skilled to remain on the sideline this season as a true freshman.

Antonio Bell & Brandon Kinnie, WR - A pair of young wide receivers that should make some contributions and break into the starting rotation by the end of the season.

Big 12 Projected Order Of Finish:

North

Nebraska
Kansas
Colorado
Missouri
Iowa State
Kansas State

South
Oklahoma
Texas
Oklahoma State
Texas Tech
Baylor
Texas A&M

2009 Opponent Previews

Atlantic Owls
Arkansas St. Red Wolves
Virginia Tech Hokies
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns
Missouri Tigers
Texas Tech Red Raiders owa St. Cyclones
Baylor Bears
Oklahoma Sooners
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas St. Wildcats
Colorado Buffaloes